Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSW 505 – Social Welfare Policy and Programs I
Credits - 3
Description
Social Policy and Programs I & II (Policy I & II; SSW 505/506) are semester-long (two-term), sequenced foundation courses that are designed to help students understand the relationship between policy and professional social work practice. Policy I will explore the development of social work and social welfare policy within a framework that analyzes the conditions that influence policy development and implementation at the federal, state, municipal, and community level, especially in relation to policies that address health and human services. This course provides an historical overview of social welfare policy and Social Work as a profession. Course content includes the values and ideologies that informed the evolution of Social Work and social welfare and the contradictions that have historically plagued them. The impact of social movements and political action on social welfare policy will be discussed, including policy advocacy and social protest. Social Work history will be explored from its 17th through 19th century origins to its 20th and 21st century controversies. This course focuses on how systematic oppression and social justice emerge to social welfare policy and community settings. Professional social work ethics, which require social workers to engage in advocacy practice that promotes social justice, equity, and equality will be examined, as will the potential for the profession to be used as an agent of social control.
WCHP Core Values:
**Collaboration
**Leadership
**Critical Thinking
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
School of Social Work Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
- Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critique and discuss the dominant historical themes and ideologies that have shaped social policy development. This includes an analysis of how inequitable societal structures, political constraints and distribution of resources have defined social and economic classes in the United States resulting in the inclusion or exclusion of diverse populations and affecting their health and wellbeing. (Program Outcome #1) (As measured by the Policy Paper, Testimonial Paper, Weekly Journal Entries and Discussion)
- Analyze the historical development of the social work profession and the emergence of its value base as the foundation for its ethical standards and principles in the development of policy and policy advocacy practice. (Program Outcome #4) (As measured by Discussion and Reflective Journal Entries).
- Apply evidence-based research to critically evaluate, develop and influence social policy development. This includes an analysis of how social welfare policies impact service delivery, social work practice and the attainment of individual and community well-being. (Program Objective #6) (As measured by the Policy Paper, Journal Entries and Course Discussion).
- Assume roles and responsibilities in the policy process, including leadership, research, lobbying, and campaigning with the goal of promoting and advocating for social and economic justice through both organizational and social change. (Program Outcome #4) (As measured by the Testimonial Paper, Policy Paper and Discussions).
Assignments
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
A variety of learning activities are designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each module include the following:
Readings and Multimedia:
Description: This course will use an array of readings from textbooks, journal articles, podcasts, Web-based materials, and videos to present the important concepts in the various modules. The readings and multimedia provide the foundation and background for discussion opportunities and assignments relevant to each module’s content.
Discussions:
Description: An important learning method in this course is student participation and interaction in the discussion threads within each module. Students are expected to participate actively and in a respectful manner. Please refer to Course Policies about participation for a full discussion of expectations.
Grading and Feedback Method: Grading and feedback methods are listed with each specific discussion assignment. Please refer to the Learning Modules and Discussion Boards for more information. The course facilitator will return assignments and other grading items (discussion boards, participation, etc.) to students within three days of the assignment due date. The course facilitator will provide weekly feedback about participation and performance no later than four days after the learning module closes. Feedback can be via email, within the assignment itself, or using the Feedback column in the gradebook.
Writing Assignments, Projects, and Assessments:
Description: In this course you will complete one academic paper, reflection journal entries, and a testimonial. The first is an analysis of a current social welfare policy issue. Throughout the modules, you will have certain goals and milestones to help you stay on target as you complete this paper. Next, you will submit a testimonial on this social policy issue. Similar to the social policy analysis paper, this also has recommended milestones to help you complete the script and the speech. The journal assignment will include 3 reflection entries and the last entry is a self-evaluation. The reflections over 3 weeks will be the foundation for your final self-evaluation.
Due Dates: Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the course schedule.
Grading Policy
The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignments | Point Value | Percentage of Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Discussions | 240 points (30 points each week) | 24% |
| Analysis of Current Social Welfare Policy | 400 points | 40% |
| Testimonial | 200 points | 20% |
| Journal | 160 points (40 pts x 4 weeks) | 16% |
| Total | 1,000 points | 100% |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Dates: 08/30/2017 – 10/22/2017
All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the dates listed below. Unless otherwise specified, all module discussions and assignments are due the last day of the module or unit week.
Initial discussion posts are due by 11:59 PM EST Saturday unless specified otherwise.
MODULE 1
Social Work and Social Policy: A Sustainability Framework
Week 1 | Dates: 08/30 – 09/05
- Readings & Multimedia:
- Web sites, articles and text
- Lecture Notes: Why Study Social Policy?
- Videos as assigned
- Discussions: Causes & Effects of Exploitation & Oppression; Citizen of the World
- Assignments Introduced: Analysis of a Current Social Welfare Policy – Paper Overview (Paper due in Module 6); Introduction to Reflection Journals and Self-Evaluation
MODULE 2
Sustainability Policy Analysis and Policy Practice
Week 2 | Dates: 09/06 – 09/12
- Readings & Multimedia:
- Text and a video as assigned
- Discussions: Reactions to the Democratic Promise Film, Newspaper Article Critique
- Assignments: Reflective Journal (+ submit an intro paragraph for your Policy Analysis Paper)
MODULE 3
Historical Foundations of Social Welfare Policy
Week 3 | Dates: 09/13 – 09/19
- Readings & Multimedia:
- Web sites, articles, videos and text + Optional Materials
- Discussions: Jane Addams and Mary Richmond; Ecosystems Model (Group)
- Assignments: Reflection Journal; Analysis of a Current Social Welfare Policy Paper: You should begin the Historical Context and Economic Context in which the policy was developed.
MODULE 4
Conceptual Foundations of Social Welfare Policy
Week 4 | Dates: 09/20 – 09/26
- Readings & Multimedia:
- Web sites, articles, film (part 1) and text
- Discussions: Morality and Religion, Public vs Private Sector
- Assignment: Analysis of Current Social Welfare Policy Paper: You should work on the Political, Ideological and Values Context Section of this Policy Paper.
MODULE 5
Environmental Sustainability and the Social Work Profession
Week 5 | Dates: 09/27 – 10/03
- Readings:
- Text, web sites, videos + Explore
- Discussions: Environmental Disasters; Newspaper Article Critique – Week 5 Focus
- Assignments: Reflection Journal; Testimonial Introduction; Analysis of Current Social Welfare Policy Paper: You should finish the Global Context.
MODULE 6
Poverty and Inequality
Week 6 | Dates: 10/04 – 10/10
- Readings:
- Text, articles, ebooks and web sites; + Literature Review Readings
- Discussions: Linkages between Taxes and Social Policy; Literature Review (Group)
- Assignments: Testimonial (Continue); Complete the Policy Effectiveness and Recommendations section and the Conclusion of the Policy Analysis Paper
- Assignment Submission: Analysis of Current Social Welfare Policy Paper (due by Tuesday)
MODULE 7
Human Rights, Minority Groups, and the Impact of Oppression
Week 7 | Dates: 10/11 – 10/17
- Readings:
- Text and article + Explore
- Discussions: What is Your Political Ideology?; Newspaper Article Critique – Week 7 focus
- Assignment Submission: Testimonial
MODULE 8
The Impact of Social Policy, Social Welfare and Ideology on Oppressed Populations
Week 8 | Dates: 10/18 – 10/22
- Readings:
- Articles, text and web sites
- Multimedia: Sick Around America: We Were Incredibly Lucky; Sicko; + Peer Presentations
- Discussions: Failure of the US. Healthcare System; Final Reflection
- Assignment: Reflection Journal – Self-Evaluation (Due by Friday)
Student Resources
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
Late Policy: 10% will be deducted from assignments for each day they are late IF the instructor has not approved an extension in advance of the due date.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.